Experience the magical
diversity of Southeast Asia on this private guided adventure through Vietnam,
Cambodia & Thailand. Travel the coast of exotic Vietnam, from Hanoi's
historic French Quarter to the covered bridges, decadent cuisine, and beaches
of Hoi An. Vietnam is experiencing a rebirth as one of today's hottest travel
destinations, and you'll easily see why. The astonishingly exotic country
boasts stunning landscapes and dazzling cities. Cruise through the emerald waters
of UNESCO protected Halong Bay, and explore seascapes dotted with jagged
limestone pinnacles before descending on mystical Siem Reap. Climb over the
ancient city of Angkor, and browse local markets for Khmer specialties.
Discover spellbinding Chiang Mai, a city set amongst temples and jungle, and
meet rescued elephants. Complete your trip in Bangkok, the jewel of the region.
This Southeast Asian adventure has something for everyone.

** All our tours are
Exclusive Private Tours, so you will not be put together with other guests **

Day 1: Welcome to
Hanoi

Fly to Hanoi, VIETNAM

Welcome to Vietnam.
Upon arrival at Hanoi Airport, obtain your Vietnam visa (please refer to your
Special Program Note), and then clear Immigration and Customs. After collecting
your baggage, exit the airport to meet outside a local Guide of Global Travel
& Tours. He/she will be holding a sign with your names on it. Please
note that local guides are not allowed inside the airport.

From the airport, you will
be privately transferred to your lovely boutique hotel. Hanoi, originally named
Thang Long or “City of the Ascending Dragon” was the first capital of Vietnam
in A.D. 1010. Situated in the Centre North of Vietnam, the city is known as one
of the most attractive and interesting places for visitors. In addition, after
the fusion in 2008, Hanoi ranks in the top 20 biggest cities in the world.

Full
day guide tour of Hanoi: Your guide will meet you at 8am at your hotel, you'll
head out with your guide and begins with a visit Ba Dinh
Square to see Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, the museum to his life and the simple
cottage where he lived and worked, along with his "house on stilts"
and his final resting place; and take in Hanoi's famous One-Pillar Pagoda,
constructed in 1049 to resemble a lotus blossom. Next, you’ll continue to the
Temple of Literature, which dates back to 1070 and is dedicated to the cult of
Confucius and visit the Museum of Ethnology, where we'll learn about the
fascinating cultural diversity of this ancient land.

This afternoon, drive
through Colonial Hanoi, seeing the Opera House and other local sights. Go
inside infamous Hoa Lo Prison (“Hanoi Hilton”), where Senator John McCain and
Douglas “Pete” Wilson were once imprisoned, and continue to the National
History Museum of Vietnam. Take a cyclo ride through the Hanoi’s Old Quarter, a
network of narrow alleys and shop houses also known as “The 36 Streets.” This
is a wonderful place to watch the local life, and peruse items from fabrics to
crafts to exotic medicines. Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese water puppet
performance, a uniquely North Vietnamese art form celebrating rural life and
folklore for over 1,000 years, this evening.

Day 3: Hanoi / Halong Bay Overnight Cruise

Meals
Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

This morning, after
breakfast transfer to Halong Bay to board an overnight cruise on Halong Bay.
Halong Bay is listed as a World Heritage Area of outstanding natural beauty.
“Dragon descending to the sea“ as it is known in Vietnamese, picturesque Halong
Bay has more than 1,000 limestone islets rising from the sea, many of them
containing beautiful grottoes. Welcome onboard and set sails boarding
time is at 12:15 pm. Upon boarding guests are greeted with a welcome drink and
gather in the dining room for a comprehensive safety and boat orientation
briefing followed by itinerary details. After the briefing and check in we have
a bit of free time till lunch is served at 1:00pm. Lunch is a multi-course
Vietnamese and Western set menu. Any and all dietary needs will be catered to.During
lunch we cruise through the Bai Tu Long Bay, cruising through the most
beautiful and quiet area in Bai Tu Long Bay and Halong Bay to visit Cua Van Fishing
Village. Cua Van Floating Fishing Village is one of the largest
fishing villages on the Bay. Guests can choose between kayaking through the
village or visiting on small bamboo boats (sampans) rowed by the villagers.

Back on board after visiting
the village there will be free time of about one and a half hours before the Cooking Demonstrationon board will be held by our Chef and all the passengers could attend to
this. During that time the chef will conduct a Cooking Demonstration
showing the guests how we decorate and make some Vietnamese food which is
traditional food in Vietnam. In addition we will have the first of our double
happy hours from 6:00 till 7:00 during which time one free drink will be
received for each one ordered. The dinner is served at 7:30pm. Dinner is a
sumptuous buffet featuring an array of salads, seafood, meat dishes, seasonal
fresh fruits and deserts. After dinner guests can relax in the dining room and
lounge or on the upper deck and enjoy the second happy hour from 9:00 till
10:00.

The next morning coffee, tea
and breakfast pastries are on offer from 6:45. Tai Chi lessons are
led by our tai chi master at 7:00 before we leave the boat at 7:45 for a
walking tour of Titov Beach Island. About one hour is spent
on the island allowing time for a climb up the steps to the peak for a
breathtaking 360 degree view of the Bay (there is also an expansive viewing
deck half way up). After the climb there is time left to relax on the beach and
have a swim. Back on board it’s time for final packing and freshening up before
enjoying a full breakfast buffet, including traditional Vietnamese Noodles
(Pho). After breakfast guests may relax in the dining room and lounge or on the
deck enjoying the last Bay views before disembarkation at 11:00am. Our guide and
driver will be waiting for you at the pier and drive you back to Hanoi and
transfer to Hanoi airport in time to
catch your onward flight to Danang,
Vietnam's most beautiful city, and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located on
the central coast of Vietnam.

Welcome to Danang.
Upon arrival at Danang Airport. After collecting your baggage, exit the airport
to meet outside a local Guide of Global Travel & Tours. He/she will be
holding a sign with your names on it. Please note that local guides are not
allowed inside the airport.

From the airport, you will
be privately transferred to your lovely boutique hotel. Hoi
An, known to early Western merchants, was one of the major trading centres of
Southeast Asia in the 16th century. Hoi An has a distinctive Chinese atmosphere
with low, tiled-roof houses and narrow streets; the original structure of some
of these streets is still virtually intact. Many of the houses were constructed
of rare timbers and decorated with lacquer panels engraved with Chinese
characters and pillars carved with ornamental designs.

Today, discover how the
traditions of the past are treasured in the present in Hoi An on the Thu Bon
River, a key international trading port between the 15th and 19th centuries –
now a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its well-preserved, centuries-old
streets, dwellings, temples and pagodas, touring Hoi An's historic highlights
via cyclo with your guide. Highlights of your walking tour through its charming
streets, visit Hoi An history Museum, Fukkien Assembly hall with Thien Hau
temple dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea, visit a typical ancient house of
Tan Ky House and 17th century Japanese Covered Bridge. Enjoy a boat trip along
the Thu Bon River seeing life along the river. Return back to hotel and enjoy
the remainder of the day is free at leisure.

Hoi An, the cobblestone
streets in the old French Quarter are a delight to roam with many cafes, art
galleries and handicraft shops. Hoi An is especially well known for its local
artists and tailor made clothing, with over sixty shops providing this service
in town.

Day
6: Hoi An / Hue /Forbidden
Purple City of Hue

Meals Provided:
Breakfast

Road journey from Hoi An to Hue:After
breakfast, you’ll be driven north along highway 1 to Hue, a journey of
approximately 3 hours. After passing through the port of Danang, the highway
meets the Hai Van Pass (meaning Pass of the Ocean Clouds). There are some
spectacular vista points and photo opportunities en-route as the Truong Son
mountain range cuts across the narrow centre of the country. The mountain range
has created a barrier to the cold airstreams from the north which often results
in thick cloudbanks over the peaks. The pass has been a strategic military
focal point during Vietnam's turbulent history and from the top there are views
of the curve of Danang Bay. There will be a stop in Danang to visit
the Cham Museum, which houses some magnificent examples of Cham art, China
Beach, made famous during the American war and the Marble Mountains. Continue
north to Hue where you will check-in to your lovely boutique hotel. Hué,
Vietnam’s most beautiful city, and now a UNESCO World Heritage site housing
fantastic artistic and architectural treasures. The Tombs of the Nguyen
Emperors are the main attraction. The Ancient Citadel of Hué has not fared well
and stands as a reminder of the infamous 1968 Tet Offensive. From Hué, the
Nguyen dynasty merged the lands of Vietnam and ruled it for almost 150 years.

After settling in and
enjoying a bit of free time, you'll head out with your guide and spend the
afternoon visit the historical Imperial Citadel. Often referred to as
“ancient”, Hue’s Citadel is comparatively modern in European terms.Built
over thirty years in the early part of the 19th century, the Citadel
encompasses three “courts” covering a total of 6 km. The Imperial City, built
along the same lines as the Forbidden Palace in Beijing, was the country’s
administrative center. Senior mandarins, court officers and civil servants
would have entered by the “Ngo Mon” (noon gate). Directly behind were the Dai
Trieu Nghi (great rites courtyard) and the Thai Hoa Palace (throne hall) where
the Emperor would meet foreign rulers and emissaries, high-ranking ministers
and other dignitaries.At the heart of the Imperial City was the “Tu Cam Thanh”
(Forbidden Purple City). Only members of the royal family, the Emperor’s
concubines, and trusted senior mandarins and officers such as the royal doctor
were allowed through the sole entry gate. Inside were various palaces and the
Emperor’s private apartments. Despite more than fifty years of decay and
attrition, the Citadel is still imposing, and recent renovation work has
restored several of its buildings to their previous glory. Next, continue
to Thien Mu Pagoda, sitting on the riverbank outside the city, this octagonal
seven tier stupa has long been regarded as the symbol of Hué and was founded in
1601. It is still a site of Buddhist worship and its huge bell is said to be
audible from the city. Enjoy a cruise downstream to watch sunset on the Perfume
River, named after the tree resins and blossoms it carries on its way to the
Pacific.

This morning, stroll around
the hectic Dong Ba market with your guide. The market is best explored in the
morning when a sea of conical hats, colorful fabrics, produce of every
description and an array of vendors offer delights for the senses await you. Continue
to explore Emperors Tombs Hue’s environment is dotted
with tombs of past emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty. Construction of the tombs
was meticulous carried out starting whilst the king was still alive in order to
ensure his comfort in the next life. Most of the tombs have courtyards, a
temple for worship, statues of elephants and figures and a pond, but the layout
of each is different reflecting differing each king’s personality and style.
They have a lovely peaceful atmosphere. Khai Dinh and the tomb
of 19th-century emperor Tu Duc, considered the most
beautiful mausoleums around Hue. Then, continue to visit the Minh Mang
Royal tomb, set amidst a lush pine hill by the river and considered to be one
of the most beautiful mausoleums. Each ruler of the Imperial City built his own
tomb during his reign.

Later this afternoon, you'll
be transferred to the airport in time for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

Welcome to Ho Chi
Minh City. Upon arrival at Ho Chi Minh City Airport. After collecting
your baggage, exit the airport to meet outside a local Guide of Global Travel
& Tours. He/she will be holding a sign with your names on it. Please
note that local guides are not allowed inside the airport.

From the airport, you will
be privately transferred to your lovely boutique hotel. Formerly known as
Saigon, today’s Ho Chi Minh City is the bustling and vibrating economic centre
of the South. Over the past few centuries, Saigon was called the “Pearl of the
Far East” and was an important trading centre for Chinese, Japanese and Western
merchants who travelled along the Saigon River.

This
morning, enjoy scenic drive through the countryside as people work on their
rice paddies and thatched hut villages scattered along the way. Visit a local
village making rice paper, a well-known product used to make the delicious
spring rolls. Arriving at the Cu Chi Tunnels to explore part of the 151-mile
underground network that zigzagged from the southern tip of the Ho Chi Minh
Trail near Cambodia to the Saigon River. Cu Chi is a must for anyone interested
in understanding a vital aspect of guerrilla warfare fought by the Vietnamese
against both the French and the Americans. These criss-crossing tunnels were
begun in the late 1940s by local resistance fighters looking for a place to
hide their weapons from the French. Discover secret trapdoors, field hospitals,
command posts, underground kitchens, living areas and meeting rooms.

After lunch at a local Restaurant,
continue to discover Saigon's historic landmarks including the former
Presidential Palace which was once headquarters for the Saigon Government
during the "American War", and the War Remnants Museum, established
in September 1975 in Ho Chi Minh City. It contains countless artifacts,
photographs and pictures documenting some of the less heroic activities carried
out by the US army in Vietnam. Planes, tanks, bombs and helicopters are also on
display. Next visit the 1880's General Post Office and the late 19th century
Notre Dame cathedral, located in a peaceful part of the city.

Day
9: Ho Chi Minh City / Siem Reap / Discovering the
Ancient Capital

Meals Provided:
Breakfast

After leisure morning, you will be transferred to the airport in
time for your flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Welcome to Cambodia.
Upon arrival at Siem Reap Airport, obtain your Cambodia visa (please refer to
your Special Program Note), and then clear Immigration and Customs. After
collecting your baggage, exit the airport to meet outside a local Guide of
Global Travel & Tours. He/she will be holding a sign with your names on it.
Please note that local guides are not allowed inside the airport.

From the airport, you will
be privately transferred to your lovely boutique hotel. Siem Reap is the base
for exploring the fabled temples of Angkor, the ancient capital of the Khmer
empire.

After settling in and
enjoying a bit of free time, you'll head out with your guide and spend the
afternoon visit the ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12th century). See the
South Gate with its huge statues depicting the churning of the ocean of milk,
visit Bayon temple (unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling
faces of Avolokitesvara), Baphuon (recently re-opened after years of
restoration), the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephants Terrace, and the
Terrace of the Leper King.

This evening, walk up Phnom
Bakheng for a sunset view of Angkor Wat and the surrounding areas. This view
provides a wonderful overview of the entire area. (Please note that this site
becomes very crowded at sunset, so you may choose to walk up to Pre Rep instead.)

Today, meet your personal
guide and driver. Rise early to travel to Ta Phrom. Built in 1186, Ta
Phrom was dedicated to the mother of Jayavarman VII. Its atmospheric dark gray
sandstone towers and courtyards exude an aura of reverence and mystery. Unlike
most of the other inner temples of Angkor, Ta Phrom has been left to the
elements and looks very much as it must have when "discovered" by
Henri Mouhot in the 1860s. Navigating through its narrow passages, immense
kapok trees and jungle-covered ruins is an unparalleled experience and one of
the highlights of Angkor. Next, you’ll visit Preah
Khan or 'Sacred Sword', built by King Jayavarman VII in the late 12th century.
Sister temple to Ta Prohm, the cruciform corridors here are impressive and
there are some wonderful carvings adorning the walls, including the spectacular
hall of dancers. Look out for the curious two-storey structure that is almost
Grecian in inspiration. This is one of the few temples originally dedicated to
Buddhism and Hinduism. The original eastern entrance was for Mahayana
Buddhists, while the other cardinal points represented the Hindu trinity of
Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma. Next, to Banteay KdeiThis temple was
the first great Buddhist monastery in Cambodia, constructed by Jayavarman VII
during the 12th and 13th centuries. Its system of galleries and vestibules that
were added after the construction of the main towers makes it look like a
cloister. It was built in sandstone, which has deteriorated quite badly.
However, there remain some very beautiful lintels and pediments. Although it is
in a ruinous state. You’ll then visit Ta KeoKing
Suryavarman I commissioned this temple in the 10th Century, but it was never
completed so has no elaborate decoration like its contemporaries. It is a
pyramid on 5 levels and is dedicated to Shiva. Some scholars contend this was
due to an inauspicious lightning strike during construction. Others have
suggested the high quality sandstone was simply too hard to carve in detail.

In the late afternoon and
sunset hours, explore the most famous of all the temples on the plain of
Angkor: Angkor Wat. The temple complex covers 81 hectares and is comparable in
size to the Imperial Palace in Beijing. Its distinctive five towers are
emblazoned on the Cambodian flag and the 12th century masterpiece is
considered by art historians to be the prime example of classical Khmer art and
architecture. Angkor Wat’s five towers symbolize Meru’s five peaks – the
enclosed wall represents the mountains at the edge of the world and the
surrounding moat, the ocean beyond. Sunset at Angkor Wat.

After dusk, you'll be
returned to your hotel with the evening free to relax or explore independently.

Day 11: Siem Reap – Chiang Mai

Meals Provided:
Breakfast

For a further glimpse into
local life, this morning, depart Siem Reap for a tour of the surrounding
countryside and take an ox-cart ride through the villages and the rice fields.
At the end of your ride, have a fresh coconut drink with the family and do not
hesitate to talk with the local people to get to know more about their lives.
Then driver to boat pier and board a wooden boat for a ride on Tonle Sap often
called the “Great Lake”. We will float by schools, markets and police stations all
built within the lake and observe the typical local activities. We’ll visit a
floating house to interact with a local family before returning to town. Next,
visit “Les Artisans d’Angkor - Chantiers Ecoles”,
this centre is working with young artisans; the team creates, produce and
market a unique collection of ornamental sculpture, lacquer ware, silk weaving
and silk painting. The company promotes fair, sustainable development in order
to provide benefits to the rural communities.

After leisurely afternoon, you will be transferred to the
airport in time for your flight to Chiang Mai, Thailand

Welcome to Thailand.
Upon arrival in Chiang Mai obtain your Thailand visa (please refer to your
Special Program Note), and then clear Immigration and Customs. After
collecting your baggage, exit the airport to meet outside a local Guide of
Global Travel & Tours. He/she will be holding a sign with your names on it.
Please note that local guides are not allowed inside the airport.

From the airport, you will
be privately transferred to your lovely boutique hotel. Thailand’s second city
and capital of the north, Chiang Mai has a great cultural heritage and is a
charming place to spend a few days learning the art of Thai cooking, browsing
through colourful markets or relaxing by the river after a trek. The city has a
tradition for making handicrafts and the expertise here makes it a good place
to pick up silk, silver, lacquer and wooden souvenirs. Chiang Mai is also
famous as a religious centre and there are a number of interesting wats to
visit as you wander around the city’s streets. Outside Chiang Mai lies a region
of mountains, valleys and rivers where the hill tribes live and the city has
long been a base from which to go trekking or start an exploration of the
beautiful north of the country. Settle in and enjoy the
afternoon and evening at your leisure.

This morning you will be met
at your hotel at 8.00am andvisit Chiang Mai’s largest
fresh market (Waroros), then continue to the White Hmong tribal
village of Khun Chang Kien is located in the vicinity of Doi (=mountain)
Suthep. Here you see the Hmong in their colorful costumes selling their wide
range of antiques, decorative ornaments and fabrics. The villagers now earn
their living by planting vegetables and growing fruit, having replaced their
traditional cash crop – the opium poppy. Afterwards you will be driven up a
serpentine road to the magnificently situated Wat Doi Suthep. Perched on a
forested mountain, this most sacred Chiang Mai temple (3,280ft above sea level)
provides a superb view over the city, as well as a wealth of Buddha statues
made of jade and bronze as well as some frescos.

After lunch, you'll head out
with your guide and spend the afternoon explore the local fresh
market and visit four of the most important temples: Wat Phra Singh. This 14th
century Lanna style temple has been one of Chiang Mai's most important
sanctuaries. Opposite is Wat Prasat, one of the oldest unreconstructed temples
in the city, and after looking around here you will visit Wat Chedi Luang which
is one of Chiang Mai's most famous, and ancient, temples and houses a stupa
that dates back to the 15th century. From here head to the city walls on to one
of the most beautiful viewpoints for sunset – Wat Suan Dok where
the ashes of former kings of Chiang Mai and the Royal Family are kept. Here at this
fourteenth century temple you will witness evening prayer as the monks and
local people come together at the end of the day.

Day 13: Elephant owner for a day. Makes unforgettable stay.

Meals Provided: Breakfast & Lunch

After an early breakfast you
will drive out to Patara Elephant Farm where you will ‘own' and elephant for a
day. On arrival at the farm you will register and get changed into your
training outfit. You will then be trained in the ways of elephant handling,
elephant farm management and the farm's breeding program. The training
includes: hiking to find elephants in the bush; learning about approaching
elephants; observing elephant temperament and an introduction to each of the
farm elephants. You will also learn about the morning feed and daily health
care for elephants. Later you will unchain and walk your elephant to the river.
Learn about elephant skin care and bath your elephant in the river. You will be
instructed on how to get on the elephant neck, sitting on the elephant, basic
riding skills and spoken commands. Practice getting on and off your new friend.
After the training you will attempt bare-back riding. Practice on an easy ride
within the farm and a short trip to visit local temple. During the morning you
will also learn about elephant in Buddhism and the beliefs that Thais have
about elephants. Mid-morning set off on a long uphill trip to visit a waterfall
where you will have a picnic lunch and bathe in the water with your elephant.
Later ride your elephant back to the farm for the evening feed. At the end of
the day bid your elephant farewell and then set off back to your hotel. Please
note this tour will be shared with other participants.

Day 14: Chiang Mai / Bangkok

Meals Provided:
Breakfast

After leisurely morning, you will be transferred to the airport
in time for your flight to Bangkok.

Welcome to Thailand.
Upon arrival in Bangkok. After collecting your baggage, exit the airport
to meet outside a local Guide of Global Travel & Tours. He/she will be
holding a sign with your names on it. Please note that local guides are not
allowed inside the airport.

From the airport, you will
be privately transferred to the lovely boutique hotel. Bangkok Thailand’s
capital city, known to Thais as “Krung Thep” (the City of Angels) is one of the
world’s most exciting cities. It holds the essence of the Thai spirit, and is
very much the heart of the country. Without doubt, this fast-growing metropolis
of roughly 10 million people has something to offer to everyone. Its lively
collection of nightlife venues, markets, shops, restaurants, magnificent “wats”
(temples), museums, palaces and parks will assure that you never get bored.
Settle in and enjoy the afternoon and evening at your leisure.

Begin your full day tour of
this city visiting three impressive temples. First drive through the
morning flower markets to explore real Thai lifestyle. Visit
Wat Traimit with its invaluable Golden Buddha (5 ½ tons of solid gold); Wat
Pho, the largest temple in Bangkok, with the colossal Reclining Buddha and the
Chedis of the Kings.

View the enormous Buddha covered
in gold leaf and lying majestically on its side. Next, continue to the
city's most important landmark, the Grand Palace, which is one of the most
beautiful examples of ancient Siamese architecture and has been the residence
of the Kings of Thailand for over two centuries. Here you will see palaces
which were used for different occasions: the Funeral Palace, the Reception
Palace, the Throne Hall, the Coronation Hall, the Royal Guest House and Wat
Phra Kaew, containing the most revered Buddha image in the country, the Emerald
Buddha, made from one solid piece of translucent green jade.

After lunch at a Thai
restaurant near the Chao Phraya River, embark on a water excursion on the river
and its canals. Board a long-tailed boat to explore the klongs (canals) of
Bangkok’s Thonburi, in the west of Bangkok, situated on the right side of the
Chao Phraya River. Its many canals had originally given Bangkok the name
"Venice of the East." Passing along the canals in the boat gives you
a first-hand impression of the scenic life along Bangkok‘s waterways. You will
also visit the majestic Royal Barges and Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn, one of the
most attractive temples in Thailand) and Santa Cruz Church before
returning to your hotel.

Day 16: Depart
Bangkok

Meals Provided:
Breakfast

Today free at leisure until
your guide and driver transfer to the Bangkok airport in time for your flight
to next destination. We wish you a safe and pleasant journey.

Price guideline:

The above tour costs from $2,880*per person, based
on 2 people sharing a double or twin room.

*Please note this price is subject to change at the time of
booking, and depends on the date of travel and the availability of
accommodation.

Our price includes (Private tour):

• Accommodation base in a shared double or twin room throughout

• Daily buffet breakfast at hotel and all hotels taxes and service
charges.

• Pick-ups and transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle as
specified in the itinerary.